Over 120 Sickened in Buryatia Food Poisoning Outbreak Tied to Local Retail Chain – What You Need to Know

Over 120 people in Buryatia, a Siberian republic in Russia, have become ill from a mass food poisoning incident linked to ready-made meals sold at a local supermarket chain. Initially, 89 cases were reported, but that number quickly rose to 121, according to health officials.

Many of those affected are receiving treatment in Ulan-Ude, the regional capital. Symptoms suggest an acute intestinal infection, and tests have confirmed at least 11 cases of Salmonella bacteria.

The source of the outbreak is products from a food manufacturer called Vostok. This company supplies around 2.5 tons of prepared meals daily to the Nikolaevsky grocery chain. Inspectors found serious health violations at Vostok’s production site, leading to a shutdown of their food operations and the confiscation of 6.4 tons of potentially unsafe products.

The regional Investigative Committee of Russia is also involved. A manager at Vostok has been charged with producing harmful food. She was detained over the weekend as investigators gathered evidence. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison.

This incident highlights a growing concern over food safety in Russia. According to a recent survey by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM), nearly 60% of Russians express worry about the quality of food products available in stores. Using social media, many residents have voiced their concerns, dubbing it one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent memory.

As investigations continue, officials confirm most patients are in stable condition. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety regulations and the need for vigilance in food production practices.

For more details, refer to the reports by the local health authorities and Kommersant.

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Buryatia,Rospotrebnadzor